Plan ahead for a safer spring getaway
The extra bank holiday next week, coupled with some unseasonably pleasant weather paves the way for a Great British getaway this weekend and, with tens of thousands hitting the road for an early summer break, motorists should be sure to pay attention to basic vehicle maintenance before they set out.
Keeping your car in tip-top condition is essential all year round and, while the memory of snow-covered roads resembling car parks is still fresh in the memory, it’s important that the early summer sun doesn’t give drivers a false sense of security.
Overheated engines, under-inflated tyres and broken air-conditioning can herald a holiday from hell and automotive watchdog, Motor Codes, advises motorists that many of the classic holiday season breakdowns can be avoided by paying attention to basic vehicle maintenance.
“Hot weather, heavy loads and long journeys can place a strain on out-of-shape vehicles but the good news is that there are a number of simple measures we can take to make sure that this strain is not transferred to the family”, explains Chris Mason, managing director at Motor Codes. “Proper planning and a pre-holiday health check at a reputable garage can help make the trip as stress-free as the traffic jams allow.”
Motorists can search for the 6,500 garages that have committed to meeting the codes of practice outlined by the government-backed organisation via its online Garage Finder at motorcodes.co.uk and, as Chris adds, it pays to think ahead, “Whilst we can’t plan for en-route disasters, why not check the Garage Finder to see where the nearest reputable garage is to your destination, in case the need for repairs arises while you’re away.”
Motor Codes top five tips for summer driving:
1 Check oil and coolant levels, as low levels may cause overheating, excessive engine wear or even engine seizure.
2 Check the pressure of your tyres, according to your vehicle handbook, and examine them for any signs of wear or tear (for example, cuts and low tread).
3 For added reassurance, book your vehicle in for a pre-holiday ‘health check’ at one of the nationwide Motor Codes garages. For the full list of trustworthy garages, check out the Garage Finder tool at motorcodes.co.uk.
4 Make sure that your insurance policy covers you to travel abroad, if you’re heading overseas, and remember to take all your insurance and car ownership documentation, driving licence and passport with you!
5 Read up on the road rules of whichever country you are heading to and ensure you meet at least the minimum legal requirements for driving. Make sure you carry ‘essential breakdown kit’ in your car. For example, in most of Europe it is a requirement to carry a reflective jacket and warning triangle. Driving anywhere in Europe without a GB sticker (or a European registration plate) is illegal.
